Vermilion Masonic Lodge Supports Adopt-a-Ride

FOCUS Program Director Special Project Dawn Riley, and CEO Rob Snow receiving a donation from the Masonic Lodge #24 members. Photo Lorna Hamilton

The Vermilion Masonic Lodge presented a cheque for $1,000 to FOCUS Transportation Services in support of its Adopt-a-Ride program on March 25. This donation was made possible through the Lodge’s fundraising efforts and reflects their ongoing commitment to assisting vulnerable members of the community. 

The Adopt-a-Ride program plays a critical role in ensuring that individuals who cannot afford the service fees for medical transportation can still access the care they need. By setting aside donated funds, FOCUS helps residents from vulnerable sectors travel to essential medical appointments, thereby addressing a significant barrier to healthcare access. 

“We have decided to provide ongoing yearly sponsorship to the FOCUS Adopt-a-Ride program because it’s a valuable community initiative,” said Rex Cunningham, Secretary of Masonic Lodge #24. “It helps those in need who can’t afford pay-for-service transportation, and we’re proud to support FOCUS in helping the more vulnerable folks in our community.” 

Dawn Riley, Program Director-Special Projects at FOCUS, expressed her gratitude for the donation. “The unwavering continued support from both the Vermilion Masonic Lodge and the Masonic Foundation of Alberta continues to have an impact on residents in the Vermilion area,” she said. 

In addition to the Adopt-a-Ride program, FOCUS offers a range of transportation services designed to meet the medical transport needs of residents in Vermilion and surrounding areas. These services include both fee-for-service and contract options, making it easier for private residents, organizations, and facilities to secure reliable non-emergent medical transportation. 

The FOCUS Transportation Service provides fee-based rides for individuals who need to travel to medical appointments in Vermilion, nearby areas, and larger city centers. For many, reaching medical facilities in larger cities can be challenging due to transportation gaps and parking difficulties. FOCUS alleviates these concerns by offering curbside drop-off and pick-up services that ensure passengers arrive on time and are safely returned home after their appointments. 

In addition to serving private residents, FOCUS Transportation Service offers contract-based transportation for organizations and facilities that require ongoing travel arrangements for their clients, residents, or patients. This service provides transport to diagnostic tests, specialist appointments, follow-ups, and even hospital discharge trips. Importantly, FOCUS services are intended for non-emergent medical transport and do not replace ambulance services needed for emergent situations. 

For those wishing to give back to the community, the Adopt-a-Ride program offers an excellent opportunity to make a difference. By donating the cost of a trip, supporters help ensure that individuals facing financial hardship can still attend their medical appointments. Every donation helps FOCUS continue its mission to meet the medical transportation needs of Vermilion’s vulnerable populations. 

With ongoing support from community organizations like the Vermilion Masonic Lodge, the Adopt-a-Ride program continues to bring peace of mind to those who need it most.